In a fiery interview with journalist Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo lashed out at Manchester United and the team’s current manager Erik ten Hag, claiming that he was “wronged” by the club. He said a few influential club members also tried to oust him from Old Trafford.
Teasers for the interview were posted on Sunday after United’s 2-1 victory against Fulham, which will air later this week on Britain’s TalkTV. The club said that Ronaldo had become ill. Therefore, he was left out of the team for the second game in a row. Fans will, however, undoubtedly be concerned about Ronaldo’s future in Manchester after reading his words in the interview.
After leaving the club in 2009, Ronaldo spent 12 years in Madrid and Turin before returning to Old Trafford in 2021. However, Ronaldo was linked to other teams in the summer transfer window before the 2022–23 season in less than a year. The footballer clarified the situation and charged Ten Hag with ejecting him.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he doesn't respect Erik ten Hag ? pic.twitter.com/r5ZV9IE6LI
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2022
He claimed that Manchester United tried to force him out. “Not only the manager but the other two or three guys at the top executive level. I don’t care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last season too.”
Ronaldo said that in both the previous season and this one, he got the impression that some people didn’t want him around.
In addition, Ronaldo criticised United for stagnating for 12 years while he was with Real Madrid and, subsequently, Juventus. He said that he didn’t have the slightest idea of who Rangnick, who served as United’s interim manager the previous campaign, was.
Ronaldo added, “I followed my heart.” “I responded, “OK, Boss,” when Ferguson told me, “It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City.”
“There was no progress. I didn’t notice any change in the club after Sir Alex left. Nothing was different. Ferguson is the best person to know that the club is not headed in the direction it should be,” added Cristiano.